How you interact with team members or other business professionals is really where you have a chance to shine. Different than your regular clients, you may be dealing with team members more often so how you approach customer service and time management will likely be very apparent to them than to a client who is selling a property. Some of the basic essentials ring true for any type of customer service but there are also some elements that are more unique to this type of client relationship.

Common thread elements include prompt returns of phone calls or emails, showing up on time for scheduled meetings, and effective follow up when it comes to checking on progress a particular team member should be making for one or more of your deals. These elements are just good business and you should expect it of yourself as much as your clients will expect it from you.

What makes interacting with team members a little different is that the same customer service elements that apply to you should also apply to them. You should expect that they return phone calls or emails promptly. You should expect that they be on time for meetings and be prepared for them when you arrive. You should expect that they follow up with you if they need something. This is also good customer service on their part and you have every right to expect that of them. After all, they are also professional businesspeople and their business, just like yours, also has reliance upon good customer service.

I can share a great example of how lack of customer service from professional team members really affected not only a specific deal, but also our business relationship. I had hired a professional, for the sake of privacy; let’s say a marketing team. Even though I had stated all my expectations up front, I couldn’t get these team members to understand how important it was to make a sales call using my suggestions and techniques I wanted to try. Not only was the follow up lacking, but I couldn’t get any reports from them showing results. They continually sent me long, drawn out emails that frankly didn’t make much sense and when they said they would call to talk with me, I only got email responses. Now, don’t get me wrong, emails have their place in the business world and it can be a quick and easy way to confirm what was discussed. But, most of the time a phone call is still the best way to communicate with a business partner if a face-to-face meeting can’t take place. My expectations weren’t being met. You see, I hired them! But, I wasn’t getting the customer service or the professional services I was paying for. So, I terminated the relationship and needless to say won’t be involved with that particular business team ever again.

KEY POINT: Only do business with people that want to do business with you. Manage your relationships with this attitude and things will be much simpler.

When this aspect falls short (or at least does so too often), you have the prerogative to change the person you use and sometimes they need to know that. You don’t want to have a quick trigger with team members but you also shouldn’t settle for poor service, as your ability to do business can be affected (your time, money, and reputation) by how well they perform.

Remember your business relies on not only you as an entrepreneur or small business owner being a strong leader, but your professional team members and their ability to provide you and your clients top notch customer service!